What’s the best way to start programming and reach 60% of a DSA plan in six months?
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MellowOrbit42
I'm starting a B.Tech in Computer Science next week and have no previous coding experience. Over my first six months, I'd like to complete roughly 60% of a structured DSA roadmap, focusing on arrays, strings, binary search, linked lists, and basic trees. Is that realistic for a complete beginner, or is it likely to cause burnout? I'm open to learning C++ through any good free or paid resource and don't have a preference for a particular instructor or course. My main question is about the order: should I spend three or four weeks learning C++ fundamentals before beginning DSA, or should I learn the language alongside basic problem-solving? What would a practical day-one plan look like?
Answers
Learn the language fundamentals first, at least well enough to write and debug simple programs. If you’re still struggling with variables, loops, functions, and basic input/output, DSA problems will mostly feel like a syntax exercise. A focused couple of weeks can be enough for the basics, after which you can start DSA while continuing to improve your C++ skills.
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Don’t wait several months before writing real programs, but also don’t jump straight into advanced DSA on day one. Watch or read just enough to understand a concept, then type the examples yourself, run them, and fix the errors. Spend a week or two practicing syntax and small exercises for a few hours a day, then gradually add simple projects and beginner problems. The six-month target is possible if you stay consistent, but the real goal should be learning how to program rather than checking off a percentage of a sheet.
MellowOrbit42: Thanks for the reality check. I’ll focus more on building the habit and understanding the basics instead of rushing through a checklist.
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A sensible sequence would be: first learn variables, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays, strings, basic debugging, and simple object or reference concepts; then practice small programs until you can implement them without copying. After that, begin beginner-level DSA topics and learn the relevant C++ standard-library tools as they come up. Keep college coursework in mind too, since your first semester will likely reinforce programming fundamentals. Two to four hours of deliberate practice most days is more valuable than trying to finish a huge sheet quickly.
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MellowOrbit42: That makes sense. I’ll look for a beginner-friendly C++ course and figure out a reasonable point to transition into DSA.